Pabon show has singing, dancing, reindeer

Tuesday

Dec 3, 2013 at 10:48 PMDec 3, 2013 at 10:48 PM

The Bulletin

NORWICH — Dancer isn’t the most famous of Santa’s reindeer, but he may be the most heroic. That is a key point in “Dancer, the Footloose Reindeer,” this year’s Christmas show put on by the Luis Pabon Dance Arts Center.

For the second straight year, money raised from the show and the Little Miss Christmas competition will benefit the Norwich Bulletin’s Tommy Toy Fund.

“We did it for years and years,” Stan Boyes, administrator for the dance company, said of shows that raised money for the toy fund. “Then we took a break, and were spreading it around. We’ve come back to the local, to the Tommy Toy Fund. That’s why we did it this year. We knew it would go to the community.”

This year’s show, which will have two performances, was written by Judith Sapperstein. When Santa gets amnesia and doesn’t want to deliver toys, it takes all of his helpers, led by Dancer, to work better together to get the job done. Santa is played by the Rev. Cal Lord, with Jean DeGrooth as Mrs. Claus. The cast also includes students Brielle Jewell as Dancer and Nick Sundstrom as Ralph, the Elf Manager.

The show is directed by John Adriso. Patricia May is the vocal director and the dances are choreographed by Tracee Jackson, Michelle Jett Pendelton, and Luis Pabon.

The Christmas pageant winners will be announced at the 2 p.m. show.

The Tommy Toy Fund, which began in 1974, provides toys, books and gloves for underprivileged children in Eastern Connecticut. Those who wish to receive toys can sign up through a registered social services provider until Dec. 13. Toys will be distributed in New London, Norwich and Danielson on Dec. 18-19.

Dimelys Vargas, a student at Norwich Free Academy, contributed to this story.

If you go

What: “Dancer, the Footloose Reindeer.”

When: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday.

Where: Slater Auditorium, Norwich Free Academy.

Tickets: $20 in advance at the Luis Pabon Dance Arts Center; $25 at the door. All proceeds benefit the Tommy Toy Fund.